Let’s recycle waste lamps in Cyprus!
The students of the Primary School of Lythrodontas decided to go one step further than other schools implementing the 50/50 concept – they decided to start recycling lamps.
Illustration : Photo by Laura Rivera on Unsplash
The Euronet 50/50 project
Possibilities to improve energy efficiency through a joint implementation plan in schools, with the direct involvement of students, the educational community in general, school boards and local authorities. Co-funded by the European Commission through the Intelligent Energy Europe Program (2013-2016).
Short description of the action with the main steps taken
The students of the Primary School of Lythrodontas decided to go one step further than other schools implementing the 50/50 concept – they decided to start recycling lamps. They made and placed a special bin outside each classroom, for the students and teachers to place waste lamps inside.
All parents were informed about the initiative and asked to bring their waste lamps to school every morning. At the end of the month, the school caretaker transfers the lamps to the recycling facility.
A short overview of the material/tools used
- A cardboard box in order to be used as a recycling bin
- “Lamp recycling” label to be placed on the recycling bin
- Coloured cardboard papers or magazines, pencils or markers in order to decorate the bin.
A short overview of the people involved
The action was organized by one class, but the whole school community took part in the lamp collection & recycling.
Main results achieved
The school community responded to the initiative: in less than a month, they brought to the school more than 25 waste lamps!
Why is it best practice? Why is it worth replicating in other schools/ buildings?
This initiative raised awareness among the students about dangerous waste. The students learn that waste lamps fall under a dangerous waste category, which must be recycled and not disposed of in the rubbish bin.
Other relevant information (top tips, citations from the pupils, teachers, etc.)
“Even though the project is coming officially to an end, our students still come up with new ideas about protecting the planet! When they proposed to start recycling waste lamps, it was a surprise for us! In less than a week, the students made and placed recycling bins in all classrooms and we came in contact with an electrical store in order to deliver them the waste lamps. As simple as that!” Natasa Soteriadou, teacher, Primary School of Lythrodontas
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